Sorting apparatus



April 20, 19,65 J. H. aLooM ETAL SORTING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 18, 1962 2Sheets-Sheet l April 20, 1965 J. H. BLooM ETAL SORTING APPARATUS 2Sheets-Sheet V2 Filed Jan. 18, 1962 :John H. Bloom Orin D. ChannerINVENToRS United States Patent() 3,179,234 SORTING APPARATUS John H.Bloom and Orin D. Channer, both of Springeld, Oreg., assignors toVancouver Plywood Co., Vancouver, Wash., a corporation of WashingtonFiled Jan. 18, 1962, Ser. No. 167,116 4 Claims. (Cl. 198-105) Thisinvention relates to sorting apparatus, and `more particularly toapparatus for sorting articles such as veneer sheets into pilesdetermined by width, moisture content, grade, etc. The apparatusof theinvention is characterized by a number of novel features making itpreferable to the usual prior known `types of sorters.

In the sorting of articles such as veneer sheets traveling from Iaclipper, there are la number of factors that must be `considered if theapparatus performing the sorting is to perform satisfactorily. For onething, veneer sheets frequently are traveling from the clipper in asteady flow and at a relatively fast rate, and thus any sortingapparatus used must be fast and accurate in its operation. Further,veneer often is fragile, and is easily broken if not handled properly,and thus the veneer cannot be subjected to too rough handling.Additionally, veneer may bequite thin, and some provision should be madeto prevent veneer sheets from becoming misshapened in such a manner asto hamper sorting. Considering certain practicalities, the usual veneerplant is relatively crowded, and any apparatus provided for sortingshould be as compact as possible. Also important, it is desirable thatsheets after they have been sorted be easily stacked in an orderlymanner.

Generally, it is an object of this invention to provide` sortingapparatus that takes care of the problems hereinabove indicated in ahighly satisfactory and practical manner.

More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide improvedsorting apparatus, that includes conveyer means for transporting piecessuch as veneer sheets along an elongated path with such pieces travelingin a direction extending transversely of their length, and means forejecting pieces of Veneer traveling on the conveyer meanslaterally,either to one side or the other of the path of the conveyer means, andinto appropriate piles. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, itis contemplated that plural sorting stations be provided along thelength of the conveyer means, :and that each sorting staion be providedwith a pair of ejector means or mechanisms. One is used to eject sheetsto one side of the path of the conveyer and one is used to eject sheetsto the other side of the path of the conveyer. With the apparatuscontemplated, there is a minimum amount of handling of the veneer sheetsprior to their removal. The sheets travel in a straight path during thesorting, with such path being a continuation ofthe path of travel ofveneer through a clipper. Removal of veneer sheets from the conveyer maybe speedily done, and with suitable control means provided the sortingcan be substantially automatic.

l Another object of the invention is to provide, in a sorting line, asorting station which features a pair of ejector means or mechanisms,one for ejecting a sheet or article to one side of the sorting line andone for ejecting a sheet ice to the other side, wherein each ejectormeans comprises a pair of pinch rollers normally occupying aninoperative position (where their surfaces are above and below thesurfaces of sheets in the station). Upon actuation, at least one(preferably both) of the pinch rollers of an ejector means moves to aposition to grab the end of a sheet in the station, and with the rollerrotating this starts its travel laterally to one side of the sortingline. Also included in each ejector means or mechanism are a pair ofpinch rollers spaced beyond the ends of sheets traveling on theconveyer. These rollers receive sheets whose travel to one side has beenstarted by the firstmentioned pair of pinch rolls. In other words, oneset of pinch rollers feed the other set, and the second set is reliedupon to throw a sheet clear of the conveyer. Preferably the second setof pinch rollers are close enough to the iirst set so as to engage anend of a veneer sheet prior to its other end leaving the first set ofrollers. This makes for more positive removal.

Since movement of veneer sheets oif the conveyer is with the sheetstraveling in the direction of their length, the veneer sheets areejected while moving in a direction paralleling their grain. This isladvantageous since on being received in a stack the veneer sheets arepositioned in a manner best able to withstand breaking or fracture.Sorting of veneer sheets is done to both sides of the conveyer, as thisenables two sorting operations to be performed in one sorting station.

Objects and advantages other than those enumerated above are attained bythe invention, and such will become more fully apparent as the followingdescription is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,whereinz` FIG. l is a drawing, somewhat simplied, illustrating aprocessing line in a veneer plant, and showing a clipper station and anumber of sorting stations at succeeding intervals `along the line,whereby veneer cut in the clipper and traveling down the line may besorted as to grade, width, etc.;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of a sorting station as contemplated by theinvention, with portions broken away;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view, taken generally along the line 3-3 inFIG. 2, and with portions broken away, further illustrating the sortingstation shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an end elevation of portions of the apparatus illustrated inFIG. 2, taken generally along the line 4 4 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 5 is a view, taken generally along the line 5-5 in FIG. 3, and onsomewhat an` enlarged scale, illustrating an adjustable stop means thatis part of the apparatus illustrated.

Referring now to the drawings, and iirst of all with particularreference to FIG. l, a processing line such as may be provided in aveneer plant is illustrated. The line includes an elongated conveyermeans, indicated generally at 10, for transporting veneer sheets orpieces along a path, with the sheets traveling in a direction extendingtransversely of their length. Conveyer means 10 includes adjacent thefeed end a section 10c, and separates into two branches after section10c, indicated at 10a and 10b, with branch 10a superimposed over branch10b. Provided at intervals along the length of conveyer means 10, morespecifically its branches, are a series of sorting stations,

n] a stations veneer sheets traveling down the conveyer means may beremoved, and thence ejected laterally to one side of the conveyer means.

Adjacent the feed end of the processing line illustrated is a clipper,represented by the block outline indicated at 20. In the clipper, veneeris cut into sheets as desired. Feeding the clipper is a conveyer 22.Conveyer means of the sorting line is aligned longitudinally withconveyer section 22, and defines a path for Veneer pieces that is -acontinuation of the path for veneer fed the clipper defined by section22.

Veneer pieces or sheets flowing from the clipper are of random grade,width, moisture, etc. Upon leaving the clipper, the sorting stations areused to produce stacks of Vveneer sheets of like grade, width, moisture,etc.

On the feed side of clipper 'is a control station, indicated generallybythe block outline 24. An operator in the control station may actuatesuitable control means, whereby veneer on reaching the clipper isclipped into sheets of desired widths (determined by visual inspectionmade at the control station 24). The clipper blade extends transverselyof conveyer 22, so that with the blade actuatedy rapidly in succession,a narrower piece results than when successive actuations of the bladeoccurs over a longer interval. As contemplated by this invention, theoperator at the control station 24 may also actuate suitable mechanismcontrolling the actuation of stations 12- 18, such mechanismprdinarilyincluding some sort of a memory circuit, so that when a veneer sheetcornes to a sorting station, it will be removed from the conveyer meansdepending upon the selection made by an operator at station 24.

A processing line, such as may be provided in a veneer plant to follow aveneer clipper, has so far been described only generally. Reference isnow made to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 5, where portions of the processing line,and one of the sorting stations (namely station 12) are illus- `tratedin more detail.

As can be seen with reference to these figures, section 10c and branches10a, 1Gb of conveyer means 10 may each comprise a series of laterallyspaced belts, as exemplied by belts 26 of branch 10b (best shown in FIG.2). The belts have upper runs extending in elongated horizontal reaches,and the ends of the belts are trained over suitable pulleys, such aspulley 28. A suitable motor means is provided (not shown), for rotatingthe belts of branches lila, lilb, .and section ltlc, whereby those4portions of the belts that engage veneer pieces move from left to rightin FIG. 2, so that they are operable to transportV the veneer pieces inthe same direction.

Forming the feed end of branch 10a is a tipple conveyer section 30. Alsopart of branch 10a, and on the olf-bearing side of section 30, is aconveyer section 32. In the embodiment of the invention shown, it is thelatter section that actually transports veneer pieces or sheets throughsorting section 12. Supporting tipple `conveyer section 3,0 and conveyersection 32, and branch 10b beneath the sections, is a suitable frame 34.Thev tipple conveyer section may be swung between the lowered position,illustrated in dashed outline in FIG. 2, and the raised position,illustrated in solid outline. When raised,`it is operable to directveneer sheets traveling on section 10c, and direct them upwardly toupper branch 10a.

Tipple conveyer section 30 may have any suitable construction. In theembodiment illustrated, it comprises a tipple frame 36 journaled on ashaft 38. The latter shaft is journaled on frame 34, and has pulleys 28training belts 26 fixed thereto. Journaled on tipple frame 36 arepulleys such as pulley 40, training one set of ends of laterally spacedconveyer belts of the tipple conveyer section, such as belt 42. Theconveyer belts are trained at their other set of ends over pulleyssecured to shaft 38 similar to pulley 28. Thus, the belts 42 are rotatedconjointly with rotation of belts 26.

ForV shifting the tipple conveyor section between its lowered and raisedpositions, a double-acting ram or jack 44 is provided, having its rodend pivotally connected to a crank member 46, the latter in turn beingconnected to the tipple frame through a link 48. Extension of ram 44produces rotation of the crank member in a counterclockwise direction inFIG. 2, with lowering of the tipple conveyor section, whereascontraction of the ram operates t0 raise the tipple conveyor sectioninto the position shown in solid outline in FIG. 2.

Conveyor section 32 comprises two levels of conveyor belts, referred toherein as a lower level of belts (indicated at 50) and an upper level ofbelts (indicated at 52).

Describing first the lower level of belts 50, this cornprises pluralbelts 54 spaced laterally from each other across the conveyor. Each beltis trained over pulleys, such as pulleys 56, 58 and 60 illustrated inFIG. 2. Pulleys 56 for the various belts 54 are secured to a transverseshaft 62, and in a similar manner, pulleys 58 and 60 Afor the variousbelts are secured to transverse shafts 64, 66. Shafts 62, 64, 66 arejournaled on stationary portions of frame34. As will hereinafter bedescribed, means is provided for rotating shaft 66 under power, in sucha way that the belts are caused to move conjointly, with their upperruns moving from left to right in FIG. 2.

As can best be seen in FIG. 2, the upper runs of belts 54 adjacent thefeed end of conveyer section 32 incline upwardly, and after passingpulleys 53 they extend in a substantially horizontal plane. Upper levelof belts 52 is provided to flatten out veneer sheets traveling over thehorizontal expanses of belts 54. This assures that the sheet may passeasily through mechanism (to be described) which is operable whenactuated to eject pieces to one side or to the other of the apparatus.

The upper level of belts comprises plural belts 68, one disposed overeach belt 54, trained at opposite sets of ends over pulleys 70, 72.Pulleys 70 are secured to a shaft '74, and pulley 72 to a shaft 76, andthese shafts in turn are journaled on frame 34. As will be described,during operation of the apparatus, shaft 76 is rotated under power, in adirection to cause the lower runs of these belts to travel from left toright in FIG. 2.

Explaining now the drive means for belts 54, 68, suitably mounted onframe 34 adjacent one side of the apparatus isa motor means, preferablyan electric motor 80, having an output shaft 82. Output shaft 82 has asprocket 84 secured thereto, which engages a drive chain 86. Chain 86 isalso trained over a sprocket 88 secured to shaft 76. On energizing ofthe motor, sprocket 88 is rotated, and with it shaft 76 and the pulleysconnected thereto. Drive is transmitted from shaft 76 to shaft 66 (andthe pulleys connected to shaft 66) by meshing gears 90, 92 secured tothe respective shafts.

In operation of the apparatus, with the tipple conveyer section in itsraised position, veneer sheets travel up the conveyer section and intothe sorting station between levels of belts 50 and 52. In the event thatit is desired to eject a piece of veneer from a series of piecestraveling between the various belts, one of a pair of ejector means ormechanisms in the sorting station is actuated, and upon its actuationthe piece of veneer is thrown off to one side of the apparatus.

More specifically, and with particular reference to FIG. 3, adjucent oneside of the apparatus, and operable when actuated to engage one end of aveneer piece and throw it off to one side, is an ejector means ormechanism indicated generally at 100. Adjacent the opposite side of theapparatus, and also operable to throw off a veneer piece and 112areindicated a pair of opposed pinch rollers or roller mechanisms, mountedwith one vertically above the other. Roller mechanism 110 may `comprisea series of rubber tired wheels 114 spaced laterally from each other andsecured to a shaft 116. Similarly, roller mechanism 112 may compriseaseries of rubber tired wheels 113 laterally spaced from each other andsecured to a shaft 120.

Each roller mechanism is rotatably mounted in the apparatus, forrotationabout a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the conveyermeans. Each is also shiftable vertically. Thus, shaft 116 of rollermechanism 110 carrying wheels 114 is journaled at its ends in crankmembers 122, and these crank members are pivotally mounted, as at 126 inframe 34, for pivotal movement about a horizontal longitudinallyextending axis. With roller mechanism 110 in the position shown in solidoutline in FIG. 3, bottom surface portions of the mechanism, i.e., thebottom surfaces of wheels 114, are below the plane of the bottom ofbelts 68, and in position to contact veneer pieces lying on belts 54. Onpivotal movement of crank members 122 in a clockwise direction in FIG.3, the roller mechanism is raised to the position shown in dashedoutline, where the bottom surfaces of the wheels are above the plane ofthe bottoms of the belts, and out of the way of veneer pieces travelingthereunder.

Shaft 126 of roller mechanism 112 is journaled on crank members 128pivoted on frame 34 at 136. In the position shown in solid outline, theupper surfaces of wheels 113 (or upper surface portions of the rollermechanism) are in position to contact with the underside of veneerpieces carried on belts 54. On pivotal movement of the crank members ina counterclockwise direction, the roller mechanism is shifteddownwardly, to place the upper surfaces of the wheels below the top ofbelts S4.

Crank members 122 and crank members 128 are pivotally interconnected, asat 132. Further, shaft 126 is connected through a link 133 to the rodend of a double-acting ram or jack 134. The connection is such that oncontraction of the ram, crank members 122, 128 are swung in such amanner as to separate the roller mechanisms and place them in their outof the way, or inoperative position. On extension of the ram, the rollermechanisms are moved toward each other, into their operative position.The ram or jack constitutes a means for actuating ejector means ormechanism 11N?, to place it in a position where it will initiate sidemovement of a piece of veneer.

Roller mechanisms 110, 112 are adjacent the side but inwardly of thepath of travel of veneer pieces on the conveyer. Spaced adjacent butoutwardly of the path of travel of veneer pieces are a pair of opposedpinch rollers or roller mechanisms, indicated at 141), 142. These pinchrollers are spaced close enough to roller mechanisms 11d, 112, so thatthey will contact a piece of veneer shifted before the same moves freeof rollers 110, 112. Pinch rollers 141i, 142 thus function to draw aveneer piece outwardly that has already been shifted somewhat to theside, and finally to throw such a veneer piece endo and clear of theapparatus, Where it may be collected in a pile.

Bottom roller mechanism 142 may comprise a cylinder on a shaft 141journaled on frame 34 for rotation about an axis that parallels therotation axes of roller mechanisms 110, 112. Upper roller mechanism 140may comprise a similar cylinder on a shaft 143, journaled on pivotedarms 146 that are journaled on frame 34. By providing the pivot mountingfor the upper pinch roller 140, it may move up and down to take care ofveneer pieces of different thicknesses. The Weight of the pinch rolleris sutlicient to cause the same firmly to grip a veneer piece when thesame passes between the two pinch rollers.

In operation of the machine, the various roller mechanisms ordinarilyare rotated under power and continuously. The motor drive is illustratedbest in FIGS. 3 and 4. Specifically, at 14? is indicated motor means,preferably pulley 152. Mounted on shafts 116, 120, 141, `143are anelectric motor, having an output shaft 150 secured to a pulleys 154,156, 158 and 16d, respectively. A belt 162 trained over the variouspulleys operates to transmit drive from output shafts 150 to the pulleys`secured to the various shafts. At 164 there is indicated an idlerpulley, training the belt between pulleys 152, `154. On energizing ofthe motor, the various pulleys rotate in the direction indicated by thearrows in the drawings.

Ejector mechanism 102, as already explained, is similar to ejectormechanism 106 already described. Thus, it comprises a iirst set ofroller mechanisms 172, 174 that may be shifted toward and away from eachother, in order to grip or to release a veneer piece. Also part of theejector mechanism are roller mechanisms 176, 178, that function to throwveneer laterally completely free of the apparatus and into anappropriate co1lecting pile. At 181i there is indicated a double-actingfluidram or jack, provided for shifting roller mechanisms 1.72, 174between operative and inoperative positions. Ram or jack may be actuatedindependently of ram or jack 134 of ejector mechanism 100.

Describing the drive `for rollers 172, 174 and 176, 173, at 182 there isindicated an electric motor connected by a belt to the various rollers.Motor 182 ordinarily is running constantly.

Completing the description of the sorting station, at 19@ (see FIGS. 2,3, and 5) is indicated a stop means, which may take the form of a pairof abutments 191, 192 secured to a bar 194. The abutments, in the raisedor operative position of the stop means, are in the path of travel of aveneer piece supported on belts 54. The abutments are alignedtransversely of the apparatus, and when a veneer piece comes in contacttherewith, the abutments function to line up the lead edge of such aveneer piece and prevent its further forward travel.

Means is provided for shifting the stop means up and down between theraised position shown in solid outline in FIG. 5 and the loweredposition indicated in dashed outline. This means comprises double-actingrams or jacks 1%, mounted with their cylinder ends secured to lframe 34and with theirrod ends connected to bar 194 so that on extension of therams the bar .is raised and on contraction the bar is lowered.

During normal operation of the apparatus, conveyer means 1t), comprisingsection 10c and branches lila and 10b, is driven at a somewhat fasterspeed than conveyer section 22 feeding clipper 20. Because of this,veneer sheets traveling on conveyer means 10 are spaced apart. Thespacing enables a sheet to be ejected before a succeeding sheet entersthe sorter.

If desired, a processing line may be provided wheretipple conveyersection 30 is shifted for successive sheets alternately rst to itsraised and then to its lowered position. Sorting stations then in eachbranch may be provided for sorting veneer sheets, lwith each branchhaving a sorting station for each type of Veneer encountered. In thisorganization, a greater amount of time may be permitted the sortingoperation, since only alternate pieces travel down any one conveyerbranch.

The operation of the apparatus should be clear from the abovedescription. Veneer on traveling down conveyer section 22 is clipped andgraded, as determined by an operator in station 24. Thence, aftertraveling down conveyer section 16C, a veneer sheet may travel eitherforwardly on the upper branch 10a, or on the lower branch 10b, dependingupon the setting of tipple conveyer section 30. Upon traveling into asorting station, such as stations 12, 14, 16, and `1S (such stationsbeing similar to the one just described) removal of a veneer pieceresults from ejecting the piece if one of the ejector mechanisms thereinis actuated. Removal is by ejecting the veneer piece either to one orthe other side of the apparatus, depending upon the ejector mechanismactuated.'

Pr il With the stop means lowered in a sorting stationa veneer piecetravels through the station and into the next sorting station.

The apparatus can handle relatively thin sheets without damage. Sheetswhen they are ejected are thrown oi` endo, and by means which positivelyclears the path of the conveyor. Upon dropping into a pile, a sheet issubjected to stressesV that tend to bend it transversely `of its length,which is across the grain of the sheet and the type of stressing thesheet is best able to withstand.

Since a separate motor is provided for rotating the rollers of eachejector mechanism, there is no need for reversing a motor, or stoppingits operation.

Veneer sheets leaving the clipper travel straight forwardly, in adirection extending transversely of their length. Thus, there is noturning of the sheets or change in their direction of travel. Arelatively compact sorting line results, since collections may be madeon both sides of the sorting line.

While a particular embodiment of the invention has been described, it isappreciated that various changes may be made in the parts and/or theirorganization. It isY desired not to be limited to the specic embodimentdisclosed, but to cover all modifications and variations that would beapparent to one skilled in the art, and that come within the Scope ofthe appended claims.

It is claimed and desired to secured by Letters Patents:v

l. In sorting apparatus, conveyer means for moving elongated sheets in adirection extending transversely of their length along a path and into asorting station, said conveyer means in said sorting station defining asubstantially horizontal support plane for Sheets, and ejector mechanismfor removing sheets in said sorting station and ejecting them laterallyto one side of said conveyor means, said ejector mechanism comprising apower-driven roller adjacent yand inwardly of one side of said pathrotatable about an axis extending longitudinally of said path and with awork-contacting surface spaced vertically from said support plane ofsaid conveyor means so as to be out of contact with sheets depositedthereon, means for shifting said roller vertically and relative tosheets on said conveyor means in said sorting station to an operativeposition where its work-contacting surface engages such sheets, and aset of opposed pinch rollers adjacent and laterally outwardly of saidone side of said path mounted with the rollers of the set substantiallyparalleling said first-mentioned pinch roller and in a position toreceive sheets shifted laterally thereinto by said first-mentionedroller, at least one of said rollers of said set of pinch rollers beingpower driven.

2. In sorting apparatus, conveyor means for moving elongated sheets in adirection extending transversely of their length along `a path and intoa sorting station, said conveyer means in said sorting station includinga lower level of oonveyer belts substantially paralleling said path forsupporting the underfaces of such sheets and an upper level of conveyorbelts positioned over the lower level of belts for holding the sheetsflat on the lower level of belts, and ejector means for removing sheetsin said sorting station and ejecting them to one side of said conveyermeans, said ejector means comprising a pair of power-driven pinchrollers adjacent and inwardly of one side `of said path and rotatableabout parallel axes extending longitudinally of said path, said pair ofrollers including one roller between two belts of said lower level ofbelts and one roller between -two belts of said upper level of belts,said pinch rollers having work-contacting surfaces spaced above andbelow sheets traveling in said path so as to be out of contacttherewith, means for shifting at least one of said pinch rollers towardthe other to place Y the two rollers in contact with opposite faces ofsheets in said station, and a set of opposed pinch rollers adjacent andoutwardly of said one side of said path mounted f with the rollers ofthe set substantially paralleling the rollers of said pair of pinchrollers and positioned to receive sheets shifted laterally by said pairof pinch rollers, at least one roller of said set being a power-drivenroller.

3. Apparatus comprising means for supplying veneer with the veneermoving along a course and in a direction extending transversely of thegrain therein,

elongated conveyer means defining a path which is `aligned with and acontinuation of said course operable to transport veneer sheets with thegrain of the sheets extending transversely thereof, and

plural sorting stations along the length of said conveyor means forsorting veneer sheets and operable to sort sheets by shifting themlaterally to one side of said path,

each of said sorting stations comprising a shiftable stop means havingan inoperative position where it is out ot" the way of sheets travelingon the conveyer means and an operative position Where it is in aposition to engage the leading edge of a sheet in the sorting stationand prevent its further for-ward travel, and a pair of ejector meansdisposed adjacent opposite sides, respectively, of said path,

each of said ejector means including pinch roll mechanism substantiallyparalleling the path defined by the conveyer means operable on actuationto engage veneer sheets across their grain thus to shift the veneersheets to one side of said path with the veneer Isheets then travelingin the direction of their grain,

said conveyer means in each sorting station comprising a lower level ofconveyor belts for supporting the veneer sheets in the station and anupper level of conveyer belts positioned over tops of sheets in thestation, said upper and lower level of conveyer belts forming the topand bottom of a narrow chamber for receiving sheets with said chamberhaving Width and length dimensions extending in a substantiallyhorizontal plane,

said pinch roll mechanism of each ejector means com-V prising a firstpair of oppositely disposed pinch rollers disposed adjacent andlaterally inwardly of a side of said path defined by the conveyer meanswith one roller above and one roller below said chamber defined by saidbelts, and a second pair of oppositely disposed pinch rollers disposedadjacent but laterally outwardly of said side of said path with oneabove and one below the path, at least one roller of each pair of pinchrollers being power driven,

the pinch rollers tof the first-mentioned pair of pinch rollers beingshiftable between an inoperative position where their surfaces arespaced above and below said chamber and an operative position where saidSurfaces project into said chamber and engage opposite sides of a sheettherein.

4. Sorting apparatus comprising a lower level of substantially parallelconveyer belts defining a substantially horizontal support plane forsheets, and upper level of substantially parallel conveyer beltsdefining a substantially horizontal hold-down plane paralleling saidsupport plane, said upper level of belts being operable to hold sheetsdat on said lower level of belts, and side ejector mechanism forshifting sheets laterally of said belts, said side ejector mechanismcomprising a iirst set of rollers including a roller between two beltsof said `lower level of bel-ts mounted for rotation about 4an axissubstantially paraileling the belts, and another roller between twobelts of -said upper level of belts mounted over the lirst-mentionedroller for rotation about an axis paralleiing the rotation axis of thefirst-mentioned roller, the'top of said firstmentioned roller beingbelow the top of said support plane and the bottom of thesecond-mentioned roller being above said hold-down plane, means forshifting said firstmentioned roller upwardly to place the top below thetop of said support plane and for shifting said secondmentioned rollerdownwardly toward the other roller to place its bottom below the base ofsaid hold-down plane, said rollers of said first set upon being shiftedtoward each other 'being operable to grab a veneer sheet along zonesbetween adjacent belts in the two levels of belts while holding Ithesheets between the planes defined by said first and second level oflbelts, and a second set of opposed pinch rollers adjacent and laterallyoutwardly of the belts in said first and second level of belts, saidrollers of said second set substantially paralleling said rollers ofsaid rst set of rollers, said second set of rollers being in a positionto receive sheets shifted laterally thereinto by said rst set ofrollers, at least one of the rollers of said second set of rollersIbeing power driven.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS Howe 198-105 XHurxthal 198-165 Sekulski 214-95 Forty 198-34 Goebel 214-11 Temple 198-105 X Camp 83-102 X HUGO 0. SCHULZ, Primary Examiner'.

MORRIS TEMIN, Examiner.

1. IN SORTING APPARATUS, CONVEYER MEANS FOR MOVING ELONGATED SHEETS IN ADIRECTION EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF THEIR LENGTH ALONG A PATH AND INTO ASORTING STATION, SAID CONVEYER MEANS IN SAID SORTING STATION DEFINING ASUBSTANTIALLY HORIZONTAL SUPPORT PLANE FOR SHEETS, AND EJECTOR MECHANISMFOR REMOVING SHEETS IN SAID SORTING STATION AND EJECTING THEM LATERALLYTO ONE SIDE OF SAID CONVEYER MEANS, SAID EJECTOR MECHANISM COMPRISING APOWER-DRIVEN ROLLER ADJACENT AND INWARDLY OF ONE SIDE OF SAID PATHROTATABLE ABOUT AN AXIS EXTENDING LONGITUDINALLY OF SAID PATH AND WITH AWORK-CONTACTING SURFACE SPACED VERTICALLY FROM SAID SUPPORT PLANE OFSAID CONVEYOR MEANS SO AS TO BE OUT OF CONTACT WITH SHEETS DEPOSITEDTHEREON, MEANS FOR SHIFTING SAID ROLLER VERTICALLY AND RELATIVE TOSHEETS ON SAID CONVEYOR MEANS IN SAID SORTING STATION TO AN OPERATIVEPOSITION WHERE ITS WORK-CONTACTING SURFACE ENGAGES SUCH SHEETS, AND ASET OF OPPOSED PINCH ROLLERS ADJACENT AND LATERALLY OUTWARDLY OF SAIDONE SIDE OF SAID PATH MONTED WITH THE ROLLERS OF THE SET SUBSTANTIALLYPARALLELING SAID FIRST-MENTIONED PINCH ROLLER AND IN A POSITION TORECEIVE SHEETS SHIFTED LATERALLY THEREINTO BY SAID FIRST-MENTIONEDROLLER, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID ROLLERS OF SAID SET OF PINCH ROLLERS BEINGPOWER DRIVEN.